LMR-400 vs LMR-200 vs LMR-100: Which Coax Should You Use?

Choosing between LMR-400 vs LMR-200 vs LMR-100 comes down to one trade-off: lower signal loss versus smaller, more flexible cable. All three are 50-ohm, double-shielded, low-loss coaxial cables, but they are not interchangeable. The short answer for most installers:

• LMR-400 — lowest attenuation; use it for long runs (over ~20 ft) and higher frequencies (5 GHz Wi-Fi, 5G, long cellular feed lines).
• LMR-200 — the balanced middle ground; use it for medium runs where LMR-400 is too stiff or bulky.
• LMR-100 — thinnest and most flexible; use it for short jumpers and tight, space-constrained enclosures.

When designing or upgrading any RF, wireless, or antenna-based system, the coaxial cable is just as important as the antenna or radio itself. Signal loss within the cable—known as attenuation—can significantly affect system performance, especially at higher frequencies and over longer cable runs. Below we compare LMR-100, LMR-200, and LMR-400 coaxial cables on signal loss, shielding, construction, and real-world applications so you can select the right cable for your installation. Data Alliance custom-manufactures LMR assemblies with your choice of connectors and lengths—browse antenna cables and adapters or request a custom quote.

At a Glance: Which LMR Cable to Choose

Signal Loss, Specifications and Composition of LMR-100, LMR-200 and LMR-400 Compared

Attenuation is Loss of Signal in the Cable

Attenuation refers to the reduction of signal strength as radio frequency (RF) energy travels through a coaxial cable. This loss occurs due to conductor resistance, dielectric losses, and electromagnetic interference. Attenuation is measured in decibels (dB), and the higher the number, the greater the signal loss.

As frequency increases, attenuation also increases. This makes cable selection especially critical for applications such as cellular (LTE/5G), WiFi, GPS, and ISM-band radios, where even a few decibels of loss can noticeably impact performance.

Double Shielding Benefits: LMR-100, LMR-200 and LMR-400

One of the defining advantages of LMR-series cables is their double-shielded construction. LMR-100, LMR-200, and LMR-400 all feature:

• An aluminum foil layer providing 100% coverage
• A dense copper braid shield for mechanical strength and additional RF isolation

This dual-shield design offers far better signal preservation than the single-shielded RG coax types they are often compared to, such as RG-174 or RG-58. The aluminum foil acts as a continuous RF barrier, while the copper braid suppresses leakage and external electromagnetic interference (EMI).

The result is a low-loss cable that maintains signal integrity while also protecting against noise from nearby electronics, power lines, or radio transmitters—an essential feature in industrial, commercial, and outdoor environments.

Attenuation (Loss of Signal): How Do LMR-100, 200 & 400 Compare?

All three are classified as low-loss, so they all fare well—but the differences grow as frequency rises. For further detail, read on:

* For detailed information on the terms dBi, dB, dBm, and dB(mW) * 

At 900 MHz

• LMR-100 = 0.75 dB/m. (0.23 dB/ft.)
• LMR-200 = 0.33 dB/m. (0.09 dB/ft.)
• LMR-400 = 0.13 dB/m. (0.039 dB/ft.)

At 2400 MHz

• LMR-100 = 1.28 dB/m. (0.39 dB/ft.)
• LMR-200 = 0.54 dB/m. (0.12 dB/ft.)
• LMR-400 = 0.22 dB/m. (0.066 dB/ft.)

At 3500 MHz

• LMR-100 = 1.58 dB/m. (0.48 dB/ft.)
• LMR-200 = 0.67 dB/m. (0.21 dB/ft.)
• LMR-400 = 0.27 dB/m. (0.081 db/ft.)

At 5800 MHz

• LMR-100: 2.10 dB/m. (0.64 dB/ft.)
• LMR-200: 0.87 dB/m. (0.264 dB/ft.)
• LMR-400: 0.36 dB/m. (0.108 dB/ft.)

Attenuation Summary Table

As expected, LMR-400 offers the lowest attenuation, making it the preferred choice for long cable runs or higher-frequency applications. LMR-200 provides a strong middle ground, while LMR-100 is best suited for short, space-constrained runs. For the full single-cable breakdowns, see our guides to LMR-100, LMR-200, and LMR-400.

Cable Composition and How It Impacts Performance

Taking a look into the technical features (composition) of the coaxial cables, we will summarize conclusions about how they contribute to the user benefits (advantages):

1. Copper clad-steel conductor - an excellent carrier of radio frequency signal, ideal for almost any cabling challenge
2. Dielectric PE foam - a superior dampener of loss of electromagnetic radiation
3. Double shielding - aluminium sheet plus copper braiding for maximum preservation of signal strength across length of cable
4. Outer Jacket - a robust finish, ideal for maintaining functional excellence in physically challenging environments

Detailed Construction Breakdown

1. Inner conductor

• LMR-100 conductor: approximately 0.46 mm (0.02 inches) in diameter
• LMR-200 conductor: approximately 1.42 mm (0.06 inches) in diameter
• LMR-400 conductor: above 2.74 mm (0.11 inches) in diameter

Larger conductors reduce resistance and lower signal loss, which is why LMR-400 performs best over distance.

2. Dielectric foam diameter & material

• LMR-100 foam diameter: 1.52 mm, Polyethylene foam
• LMR-200 foam diameter: 2.79 mm, Polyethylene foam
• LMR-400 foam diameter: 7.24 mm, Polyethylene foam

Foamed dielectric improves impedance stability and reduces attenuation at higher frequencies.

3. Inner shield

• All three use copper braiding for shielding strength and flexibility.

4. Outer shield

• Aluminum foil layer providing 100% coverage in all three cables.

5. Outer cable sheath diameter, material & color

• LMR-100 cable sheath: approximately 2.79 mm (0.11 inches) diameter, Polyethylene, black
• LMR-200 cable sheath: approximately 6.1 mm (0.24 inches) in diameter, Polyethylene, black
• LMR-400 cable sheath: above 10.29 mm (0.41 inches) in diameter, Thermoplastic elastomer, black

Additional Mechanical and Environmental Characteristics

• Temperature range: −40°C to +85°C
• Minimum bend radius:
  • LMR-100: 6.4 mm (0.25 in)
  • LMR-200: 12.7 mm (0.5 in)
  • LMR-400: 25.4 mm (1.0 in)
• Weight:
  • LMR-100: 0.02 kg/m (0.013 lbs/ft)
  • LMR-200: 0.03 kg/m (0.02 lbs/ft)
  • LMR-400: 0.10 kg/m (0.068 lbs/ft)
• Halogen-free construction for improved safety and compliance

These characteristics make LMR cables suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations, including harsh or temperature-variable environments.

Typical Applications for LMR-100, LMR-200, and LMR-400

LMR-100, LMR-200 & LMR-400 are double-shielded, low signal-loss coaxial cable types for antenna cables. As closely related "sister" coax types, they each share commonly associated characteristics and possess comparable benefits. Their purpose is simply to convey radio frequency transmitted signals across physical distance, with minimal loss or interference. Here are some typical application scenarios:

LMR-series cables are commonly used in:

• HDTV and broadcast systems
• Broadband internet networks
• CCTV and security video
• RF and two-way radio systems
• Antenna feed lines
• Wireless assemblies
• WLAN and WiFi networks
• GPS installations
• Cellular LTE and 5G systems

Cable choice typically depends on run length, frequency, flexibility requirements, and available installation space. Data Alliance builds custom LMR assemblies in your choice of length and connectors—contact technical support for a custom quote.

Conclusion

LMR-100, LMR-200, and LMR-400 coaxial cables are engineered for reliable RF signal transmission with low attenuation and strong protection against interference. Their double-shielded design, high-quality materials, and wide operating temperature range make them dependable for a variety of wireless and communication applications. While LMR-100 offers flexibility for short runs, LMR-200 provides a balance of performance and size, and LMR-400 delivers the lowest signal loss over long distances. Match the cable to your run length and operating frequency, and you will minimize loss without over-building the installation.

FAQs: LMR-400 vs LMR-200 vs LMR-100

What is attenuation in coaxial cables?

Attenuation refers to the loss of signal strength as it travels through a cable. It is measured in decibels per meter (dB/m) and increases with cable length and frequency.

What makes LMR cables low-loss compared to RG-58 or RG-174?

LMR-100, LMR-200, and LMR-400 use double shielding—an aluminum foil layer plus copper braid—which provides superior protection from interference and reduces signal loss compared with single-shielded RG-58 and RG-174.

How do LMR-100, LMR-200, and LMR-400 compare in signal loss?

Signal loss decreases as cable size increases. LMR-100 has the highest attenuation (best for short runs), LMR-200 offers moderate loss, and LMR-400 has the lowest attenuation (best for long-distance runs). At 2.4 GHz the figures are roughly 1.28, 0.54 and 0.22 dB/m respectively.

LMR-400 vs LMR-200: which should I choose?

Choose LMR-400 when the run is long or the frequency is high and every decibel matters, and you can accommodate its larger diameter and 25.4 mm bend radius. Choose LMR-200 when you need a thinner, more flexible cable for a medium-length run and can accept roughly double the loss per meter.

What are typical applications for LMR coaxial cables?

LMR cables are used in antenna extensions, Wi-Fi and WLAN networks, GPS, broadband internet, CCTV systems, HDTV, and radio and video communications.

What materials are LMR cables made from?

They feature a copper-clad steel conductor, polyethylene (PE) dielectric foam, an aluminum foil shield, a copper braid, and a durable black outer jacket.

Why does cable diameter matter?

Thicker cables like LMR-400 have larger conductors, which reduce resistance and signal loss, making them ideal for long runs. Smaller cables like LMR-100 are more flexible but lose more signal over distance.

Are LMR cables suitable for outdoor use?

Yes. Their UV-resistant outer jackets and wide operating temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) make them ideal for outdoor installations.

What are the bending and handling characteristics of LMR cables?

LMR cables are designed to be flexible and easy to install. LMR-100 has the smallest bend radius (6.4 mm) for tight spaces, LMR-200 is moderately flexible (12.7 mm), and LMR-400 is stiffer but still manageable (25.4 mm).